Anyone whos practice is focused primarily on landlord tenant? How do you like it? I want to develop a specialty and recently had an LT trial which was a great experience. Do you represent parties on both sides or typically only one side? Any insight to your daily life or anything you wish you had known?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I want to say thanks for asking and thanks to Attorney 1 for the advice. I've been considering focusing more on this area too, so it's good to know what I'd be getting into. What's the best way to market myself if I want to become a go-to for landlord-tenant cases?

like

I did word of mouth and relationships. We already represented some property developers who were landlords. I also was doing a good deal of pro bono, and landlord tenant matters were coming to a head during Covid, so smaller landlords would often call the police looking for help. The police knew me because I did so much pro bono criminal work and knew I’d won some housing court cases so they referred a couple of nasty tricky cases to me where landlords had tried to proceed representing themselves and failed. Landlords talk, so after I won for them, they told their friends, and it snowballed from there.

You might try befriending police officers and building genuine relationships because smaller mom and pop landlords will start with the police when they want someone out if they don’t know how evictions work or when they find out about illegal activity on their property.

You might also try publishing guides to help landlords and just being available for limited free advice on the phone, knowing that those people might not hire you, but if you help and they tell their friends, you may get business that way. Other lawyers may refer too because many lawyers don’t want to touch landlord tenant cases, and they’d be happy to have someone to kick the case over to. I focused on relationships, and the rest sort of happened organically with no marketing. I’m not s firm owner. I was a midlevel. We didn’t do landlord tenant law when I started there, but I got so many referrals from landlords people started calling asking for me. The partners let me in on the financials for my cases and let me charge whatever I wanted. I found bulk flat fees were best. I trained the receptionist to do the simple warrants of eviction (90%) and notices to quit as they were the cheapest labor within the firm. The more difficult tricky cases I handled myself, even on a flat fee. Getting a reputation for winning the hard cases was what kept getting me so many referrals. That work is really bulk work though. You’re not going to make all your money on a few cases like you might in mass torts

like

If you don’t like formulaic rinse and repeat things done in bulk and cost sensitive clients I don’t recommend. It’s work that 90% of the time will be done by your paralegal because it’s changing party names and addresses. Clients don’t want to pay a ton for it, so you won’t be able to charge your hourly rate for doing them. You’ll end up flat feeing it unless the case is more complex. But because of that not many lawyers want to do them, so you won’t have as much competition. Also, where I live, judges tend to side with the tenants even when the person was working full time, has no children or extenuating circumstances or defenses, and just failed to pay rent for 6 months because they didn’t feel like it.

Likewise, you’ll have landlord clients who are clearly in the wrong as far as living conditions go who refuse to admit they’re wrong, and that can make life difficult.

I did it during Covid for a little while and beyond that until I lateraled to do M&A. It was easy to get clients because not many lawyers want to do the work, so you can quickly build a book of business. To make it profitable, you’ll need a good deal of competent non-attorney support staff under you

like

Thanks so much!

like

You’re welcome! It’s easy to train someone else to do the work unlike most litigation so you don’t need an experienced assistant. Cheap remote VAs in low cost of living areas should be able to do it, so that’s a positive. Good news is it’s a good client base if you want to later have work for them with new acquisitions and real property work, and it’s easy to get referrals from them because there isn’t as much competition. Bad news is you’ll spend a good deal of your days in court, but cases move fast. You may want a first year lawyer under your after you build up your client base to go litigate those cases for you to free up your day

I don’t file landlord/tenant cases, but encounter them all the time in my practice area (consumer bankruptcy). I agree with the notion that the work mostly involves fill-in-the-blanks templates and flat fees.

I’m in a very pro-landlord state, and it’s usually quick and easy to get a non-paying tenant evicted. So by the time I get involved, it’s almost always just to discharge the money judgment entered against the tenant, if any.

On that note, some landlords just want the tenant out, whereas others also want an award of damages and will use tools such as garnishment to collect it. If the client is in the latter group, there’s the potential for the attorney to make more money.

As for representing both landlords and tenants, I’d avoid that due to the potential of future conflicts (real or perceived).

Where I practice — a metro area with a population of about 2 million — most property management companies have an established relationship with one of a few large-volume firms. So if I were going to represent landlords, I’d start with “mom-and-pop” owners.

In this market, I don’t see representing tenants being economically viable, unless you want to work for legal aid. Almost all L/T cases here are evictions for non-payment. If the client didn’t have the money to pay their rent, how are they going to pay you? But — as A2 suggests — you might be able to make it work if your jurisdiction is pro-tenant.

like

Thank you so much, this is helpful!

I practice in a state with a specialized Housing Court.
It's very pro-Tenant and there is a steep learning curve, but if you get the specific statutes and rules for housing down you can get a level of mastery in pretty short time it's going to surpass anyone who doesn't regularly practice in Housing Court.

In order to build a successful practice around L/T work, you should try to land one or two of the bigger property management companies in your area, or an institution that does a lot of subsidized housing. These groups are take a more professional view of the process, and are less likely to go off reservation in their behavior and more likely to see your rate as a cost of doing business.

There's good money to be made on the tenant side as well, but you have to vet your clients carefully.

Thanks for the wonderful insight, A1. I don't have that much experience in that area. But I think it will be a good experience.

Related Posts

Who does the ad work for Ashley Madison? Is it done at an agency, in-house, or a brothel?

like

How much house can I afford making ~80k/year pretax? Also is it worth it to put down less than 20% despite PMI? I know credit is cheap right now, so I’m curious. TIA

like

I need some legal advice in my grievance letter. I have just paid £390 for a 16 min conversation with a solicitor and he now tells me reviewing the letter is an extra fee. I would be so grateful if someone could help me as I just need the last part reviewed which is the offer to my employer (UK Law). Thank you

like

Absolutely loving this Lotus Emira reveal:
https://youtu.be/F1H_Wd1tN-A

Just wish it was more along the weight of the Exige rather than the Evora. Thoughts?

Post Photo
like
like

Hi , I recieved my YEA with a rating of 5 out of 5 .. What all can I expect from this rating. Please throw some light on this

like

Noob question. Do luxury watches decrease in value when bands are switched, even if the new band from the same manufacturer and is changed at an authorized dealer? I’m specifically thinking of changing an omega speed master bracelet to a leather band

like

Is there anyone in HR that can clarify this for me a little- Hawaii is a state that prohibits future employers from asking your salary. How does this apply to remote positions? Is it only based on the home state of the company? Or would it apply because I am applying from Hawaii?

like
like

What’s been the most helpful thing you’ve done to get you out of a depressive episode?

like

No hike letters today? For anybody?

uplifting

What's exactly is pay transparency intiative that Novartis is planning to introduce? When is it coming into effect?

likehelpful

At Kohl’s, Christmas gift idea for the nurse in your life!

Post Photo
like

Planning an Australian Trip in winter 2022 (November to February). Any suggestions for housing, things to do and other advice? Might be a solo trip so anything is appreciated!

like

Hello Guys, which one to prefer SAP SDC or Deloitte USI for SAP Security and GRC Profile?
Package difference: Deloitte USI offered 1L extra compared to SAP SDC.

like

Is anyone aware of a third party reach/frequency measurement provider that can incorporate terrestrial radio in addition to TV and digital? I only have experience with digital and digital + TV.

like

Do new hires get some kind of new hire present. Company swag. Or some shopping gift balance. I got all of those when hired by PwC. Curious if D would have similar gifts too as welcome presents.
I am going to be an SC in Atlanta

likehelpful

Any leads on Account Management or Hybrid roles that are remote in the US? The market is BRUTAL and everyone keeps ghosting. Not sure when this became ok.....

like

I’m notoriously bad with “aesthetic” and design. I’ve hired all my vendors, including lighting and florals, but am now starting to think through what other decorations/logistical items are needed - signage, dessert table trays, guest book, bar top, etc... whenever I google how to start thinking about wedding decorations all the sites are just telling me to rent linens vs buy frames, which... isn’t helpful. How is everyone else here tackling this?!

like

Additional Posts in Small Law / Solos

I recently left a firm and considering starting my own practice. Any advice on avoiding any issues with my old firm if any clients decide to hire me as their attorney? I have not contacted any former clients or solicited their business. Thank you!

like

Managing Attorney (of laws firm with 10 or more attorneys) what does your day to day like. What percentage of time would you say your are actively practicing vs acting as the managing attorney (deal with firm matters, networking, financials, etc.).

like

Hello! Any law firm marketing into the Spanish speaking community?

like

How are firm’s dealing with July’s Bar Exam postponement?

like

I'm looking to start my own practice. My experience is in corporate work. How can I develop that type of business? I'm really unaware on how to get small to mid size businesses. Do build a website? What about keeping the lights on in the meantime should I take some criminal cases?

like

As everyone shelters in place, small firms need solid copywriting services to keep their websites fresh. I specialize in working with small firms. You worry about your work, I’ll worry about the words

like

Recently started a solo firm. Repping a client with a contract with a mediation and arbitration clause. Landlord has stonewalled negotiations and won’t respond to inquiries on mediation. Best way to force them to table? Sue and make them compel arbitration? Is there a quicker way?

like

Anyone have any tips or ideas on how to collect money owed from a client? In a few months it’ll be two years since the debt was incurred. We send monthly reminders of the bill. It’s a significant amount (well to us) and the client is now starting to open up and telling everyone about the situation that we helped to resolve.

like

Folks who began practicing in one state but moved to another: How difficult did you find it?

I like where I'm at now but my entire friend/family base is back in my home state. I'm not running for the door, but my long term plan is to go back. Am I just making it harder on myself the longer I stay here?

Admitted 2021, both states are same region and both UBE, if that helps.

like

Been thinking about striking it out on my own. Have some top notch litigation and transaction experience in the construction and energy space. I’ve represented small shops up through global players. Thoughts? Recommendations? Advice?

like

For solo and small law firm owners, I am curious, if you care to share anonymously, when you opened your firm and what kind of revenue you are running this year? I want to just get an idea of what is average or common.

like

I’m a true solo who just started my practice two months ago. I was just offered a position at a midsize firm making $85k with health and dental. Also possibility of paying off my student loans. I feel like I would be miserable there, but it sounds wonderful to have a steady paycheck. What do I do???

like

Question re: salary. I’m thinking about accepting an offer at a small (4-6 attorneys) transactional firm. I would primarily be working on NDAs for clients. The role sounds great (no billable hours, fully remote, flexible hours/ can work from anywhere); however, the salary is $70K. I’m a new attorney, with only one year of experience. Does this salary seem low? If so, any advice on what someone in my position should ask for?

like

I gave notice to one of the partners at my small firm last week. It was amicable, but she told me to wait to tell the other partner until he returned from vacation. In the interim, she told the other partner and he blew up. He is now making insane demands and threatening to call my future employer if i don’t meet them. Most problematically, he refuses to meet with me to discuss transitioning my cases over the next week. I am not sure what to do, and I am worried about ethical rules.

like

Anyone have recs for best tax law training resources?

like

Has anyone recently transitioned from Microsoft one drive to a case management system, such as Clio? How was the transition? I feel as though I’m rarely using the system except to open a matter and upload docs for e-signing. It feels easier to use one drive since it’s accessed locally on my Cpu. Any tips on how to make the transition smoother is greatly appreciated!

like

We're weighing Docusign vs HelloSign for an e-signature solution. Anyone use these products and find any major issues or limitations?

like

How do you balance wanting to be the “go to” person who gets it all done, no matter what, and feeling like you are taken advantage of because of that?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal